Former President Bill Clinton posts his daily dairy on the internet. He has a particular statement that I want to discuss today. You can read the entire article at http://billclintondailydiary.blogspot.com/2005/03/terri-schiavo-and-democratic-party.html
"By and large Americans are religious, but do not want others to force their (beliefs) on them."--Former U.S. President William J. Clinton
1. There is a difference between "religion" and "faith"
religion (rî-lîj´en) noun
1. a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4. A cause, a principle, or an activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
faith (fâth) noun
1. Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, an idea, or a thing.
2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. See synonyms at belief, trust.
3. Loyalty to a person or thing; allegiance: keeping faith with one's supporters.
4. Theology. The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.
5. The body of dogma of a religion: the Muslim faith.
6. A set of principles or beliefs.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition copyright © 1992 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Notice from these two definitions that "religion" is all about "doing things" where faith is all about "believing things." I prefer not to talk about "religion" but much rather about faith. And while most Americans are "religious" in their lives, I find that fewer and fewer are "faithful" in their daily lives.
2. People Do Not Want Beleifs Forced Upon Them
This is the point that I want to make. And here is a list of "beliefs" that society has been working to forced upon the population:
"By and large Americans are religious, but do not want others to force their (beliefs) on them."--Former U.S. President William J. Clinton
1. There is a difference between "religion" and "faith"
religion (rî-lîj´en) noun
1. a. Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe. b. A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.
2. The life or condition of a person in a religious order.
3. A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.
4. A cause, a principle, or an activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.
faith (fâth) noun
1. Confident belief in the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a person, an idea, or a thing.
2. Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. See synonyms at belief, trust.
3. Loyalty to a person or thing; allegiance: keeping faith with one's supporters.
4. Theology. The theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.
5. The body of dogma of a religion: the Muslim faith.
6. A set of principles or beliefs.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Third Edition copyright © 1992 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Notice from these two definitions that "religion" is all about "doing things" where faith is all about "believing things." I prefer not to talk about "religion" but much rather about faith. And while most Americans are "religious" in their lives, I find that fewer and fewer are "faithful" in their daily lives.
2. People Do Not Want Beleifs Forced Upon Them
This is the point that I want to make. And here is a list of "beliefs" that society has been working to forced upon the population:
- A "fetus" is just a "fetus" and is not a person, so it's okay to "abort" it because it isn't really alive anyway
- All life on earth "evolved" from one common ancestor
- There is nothing wrong with open sexuality and sexual relations outside of wedlock
- There is nothing wrong with homosexual behavior
- When I close my eyes and give a silent prayer it interferes with the lives of others
- It's okay to drink soft drinks at every meal
- Everybody has credit card debt and there's nothing wrong with that
Dear Mr. President, it seems that there are many beliefs that society is desperately trying to impose on me and those of my faith. These are just some of them. And because my faith--our faith--is such a critical part of who we are, we must speak out against society forcing their beliefs on us.
Comments
I want to be a person of faith, who loves Jesus and because of my close relationship with Him, He pours into my conversations with others. He is what lights my life. Not talking about Jesus would be the same as not talking about my husband and kids-not possible.